Sprint’s 4G LTE Network Might Appear Early Next Year

Sprint customers, rejoice! Okay, not quite yet: Sprint is due to make an announcement on October 7 that they’re adding 4G LTE services next year.

If you’re not already streaming data effortlessly, CNET reports Sprint will flip the switch early next year, and that some customers may be able to get the service as early as the end of the first quarter in 2012. Still, it’s unclear how many markets the LTE launch would include.

According to reports, the wireless network is building its network and will begin testing it early next year as its Network Vision plan. If the rumors come to pass, Sprint may be adding the iPhone to its lineup as well, making for good times indeed.

Verizon already has almost 160 cities that are LTE-equipped, while Sprint currently only offers 4G WiMax in 71 cities. AT&T, comparatively, offers LTE in five cities but will expand into other markets.

Sprint’s 4G WiMax was originally offered in partnership with Clearwire, but problems have prevented the expansion, thus forcing the network to deploy a brand new 4G network.